Self-discipline is the ability to overcome desires, delay gratification, and persist when things are difficult. It can be used to get rid of bad habits such as smoking, excessive eating, laziness, procrastination, persistent negative thoughts, or lack of assertiveness. It helps us choose our actions and behaviors instead of being ruled by them.

Our society looks down upon a person who displays a lack of self-discipline and girls are often socialized to control their impulses and do as they are told to an unhealthy degree, despite lax standards. Many people also look down upon people if they seem a bit unkempt.   

Having too much self-discipline could lead to a person having an unhealthy perspective that encourages depression. Instead of feeling confident and proud of their abilities the person would be more likely to develop depression because they would be inclined to persist at a task even when he or she is unsuccessful. Too much self-discipline could also result in a lack of flexibility, reduced enjoyment of life, and lack of spontaneity.

Therefore, when a person teaches themselves to be a more self-disciplined person, one should take into account what they are doing and their feelings about the changes that they are making. One should ask themselves questions such as how should they encourage spontaneity? Will their inevitably always be a time when even the most self-disciplined person will not be able to choose their actions and behaviors (for example, while they’re sick)? If so, how important is it to be extremely self-disciplined and in what ways would you like to be a more self-disciplined person?

In conclusion, one must learn to appreciate and embrace spontaneity and not become overly compulsive to the point where life feels empty and like there is nothing positive (such as more positive thoughts) to fill the gap. Variety is the spice of life.